Here are some photographs from our solo exhibition of Japanese potter Masanobu Ando’s work called “The way of tea”.
All of the photographs were taken by Toyomi Nakamura of Toki no Kumo, who came along with Mr. Ando.

One of Mr. Ando’s travelling Tea boxes called a “Chabako” This one is an old Japanese lunch box from the Showa period.

We thought serving some deliciously made maple candies from Toronto based Ninutik would be the perfect sweet to serve with Green tea, and it also brought a little bit of locality to the festivities.

A special medicine spoon made from whale bone re-purposed as a tea scoop. The art of repurposing in the Tea Ceremony is called mitate, and Mr. Ando is very well known for doing this.

It was a busy event. Thank you to everyone who attended the exhibition!

Tea Ceremony tools commissioned by Masanobu Ando.

A new bowl shaped ceramic colander with a hole for hanging when not in use.

A very lovely arrangement from out newest employee Reiko.

Finally a full collection of mugs available to purchase!

Signing autographs.

The main event of the night was the Tea Ceremony performance held in our front window using all works made or found by Masanobu Ando.

A very special Tea canister made by a monk from a famous Buddhist sect over 300 years ago. This particular Buddhist sect made everything including their own plates, clothing, furniture. Essentially anything needed, they relied only on themselves, a commitment very similar to the American Shaker movement. This style of tea canister has been replicated by a famous lacquer-ware artist around 100 years ago, but the one Mr. Ando brought with him is an original.

He went on to say this canister is the inspiration for his silver glazed objects. What an honour!

Adding hot water to the bowl.

The bowl is incredibly raw and powerful.

Gaining an audience out front.

Maple sweets.

Little Anzu got to sit with his mother Amy to share the moment.

Taking his sip.

A fantastic evening, thank you again for everyone who came out for the exhibition!

I had a chance to add a lot of items from the exhibition to our website this morning, although most of them we only have 1 item each so if you have your eye on something please let me know as it will only be available for a short time.

Here is the link to our webstore.